MANILA – Christian Araneta aims to get back to the winning track as he faces compatriot Richard Rosales in the main event of the “bubble” boxing card tonight at International Pharmaceuticals Inc. compound in Mandaue City, Cebu.
The Borbon, Cebu-native Araneta is raring to bounce back after tasting his first professional boxing defeat to Mexican pugilist Daniel Valladares over a year ago in Mexico.
Just like Araneta, the Boholano Rosales is also on a comeback trail after losing his last three matches, including a sixth round stoppage defeat to Negrense boxer Richard Claveras last February.
Both Araneta (17-1-0, 14 KOs) and Rosales (14-12-2, 8 KOs) easily made the light flyweight division weight limit with the former submitting 110.4 pounds and the latter tipping the scales at 110 pounds.
Cebuano Ronnie Vecilles and Baguio-native Junel Lacar are also set to collide in a light-flyweight clash in 10-round. Vecilles tipped the scales at 109 while Lacar was lighter at 107.4.
In the other matches, Penitente Apolinar tackles Jetro Pabustan in a bout in the third 10-rounder while Carlo Bacaro tangles with fellow Cebuano Jeffrey Stella in a light-welterweight encounter set for six rounds.
Sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the fight card would be its first nationwide since government authorities imposed a lockdown to stem the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are honored and privileged to be holding this historic boxing card in Cebu. It is a challenge but we are looking forward to it,” said Omega Sports Promotions chief Jerome Calatrava.
“All the boxers are excited and itching to fight,” he added. “We will have about 50 people involved, including the boxers, crew, and the one referee we hired for the event that will be held in closed doors with GAB officials watching.”/PN
